Virginia Camping | Top Places to Go in Virginia

01Belle Isle State Park

Located in Northeastern Virginia, Belle Isle State Park has diverse habitats and wildlife. With about seven miles of riverfront on the Rappahannock River as well as bordering Deep and Mulberry creeks, this is an excellent destination for recreation and wildlife viewing. Belle Isle State Park features tidal and non-tidal wetlands, marches, upland forests and more. While exploring these diverse habitats, visitors have the opportunity to see blue herons, hawks, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, squirrels and much more.

02Chippokes Plantation State Park

This is a fantastic historic working farm, one of the oldest in the country. Located in Surry County along the James River, this park is a fascinating historic and recreational destination. The plantations's boundaries are the same as they were in the 1600s. There are a wide variety of gardens for visitors to explore, including formal gardens around the mansion and more. Visitors can also stop and explore the Chippokes Farm and Forest Museum to learn about the history of the plantation.

03Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island located in Virginia and Maryland, is a bird watchers paradise. It was established in 1943 as a refuge for birds, primarily snow geese, but it is home to many species of birds and wildlife. It is also home to the famous Chincoteague Ponies. In addition to being close to the wildlife refuge, Chincoteague Island has many of its own charms. Visitors can enjoy their vacation exploring the beaches, marshes and forests of the wildlife refuge or exploring the local shops on Chincoteague Island. Scenic Chincoteague has many opportunities to hike, bike and boat, you can also go crabbing or clamming. The town also offers pony rides on real Chincoteague Ponies.

04George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are a great destination to enjoy some outdoor recreation. These National Forests extend across Virginia and into West Virginia. Visitors to the forests can enjoy mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and lots of hiking. Within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests there are over 2000 miles of trails.

05Prince William Forest National Park

Located just 35 miles south of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia, Prince William Forest National Park is an excellent hiking destination in Virginia. This park protects some of the beautiful natural lands in Northern Virginia. Visitors to Prince William Forest National Park can enjoy hiking along the 37 miles of hiking trails, which comprise one of the largest trail networks in the area. One great hiking option is the trail along South Fork Quantico Creek. Visitors can also enjoy biking, fishing, wildlife viewing and much more.

06Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is 105 miles long, and it stretches from Front Royal to Waynesboro-Charlottesville. The Skyline Drive, the scenic drive through the park, is a fabulous way to enjoy the beautiful park. Shenandoah's visitor centers have plenty of fascinating exhibits, and the park has plenty of hiking opportunities. There are over 500 miles of trails, and much of the parks 196000 acres are open to backcountry camping, nature viewing and more. Old Rag Mountain is also in Shenandoah National park, which happens to be a very popular, challenging and dangerous hike, great for the more adventurous hikers.